ANNOUCEMENTS
The Missouri Science & Technology Policy Initiative (MOST Policy Initiative) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting scientists with policymakers to support informed decision-making and improve the well-being of people and communities across the Midwest.
Through this program, Missouri legislators can request concise research summaries, known as policy notes, that provide nonpartisan, science-based information to help guide the development and implementation of state laws. While the requests themselves are made confidentially by legislative representatives, all completed policy notes are published and available to the public at no cost on the MOST website.
Community members, local officials, and organizations can use these notes to track the issues currently receiving attention in the Missouri Legislature. By reviewing the most recent policy notes, readers can gain insight into the topics legislators are exploring and the research being used to inform policy discussions.
Residents who feel their state representative or state senator could benefit from additional research on a specific topic, are encouraged to contact their legislator and suggest they request a study through the organization.
Individuals who want to stay informed can also subscribe to MOST’s monthly newsletter, which highlights newly released policy notes which summarizes the most recent research requests from Missouri lawmakers.
More information, including the full library of policy notes, and details on subscribing to the newsletter, can be found through the MOST Policy Initiative website.
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The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) and Missouri Partnership are hosting a webinar series highlighting property marketing tools available to Missouri’s regional, county, and local economic development organizations. The series will feature dedicated sessions on LOIS Property.
Marketing System, Lasso Site Selection Software, and the newly integrated Lightcast Workforce Data within LOIS. The goal is to increase community visibility, support local economic development efforts, and help attract and retain businesses. Participation in LOIS is not required to use Lasso, but organizations are encouraged to attend all trainings to better understand and maximize both systems.
LOIS markets sites and buildings on economic development organization websites to connect with site selectors and companies evaluating locations. The training will demonstrate best practices for integrating the LOIS map viewer into local websites and highlight the new Lightcast workforce data integration to support site selection decisions.
Lightcast Workforce Data, now available within LOIS, provides detailed Annual Average Wages and Employment Counts by occupation and industry through interactive heat maps and drive-time analyses. Reports can be exported in Excel or PDF formats.
Lasso is a digital Request for Information (RFI) platform that allows global companies and site selectors to collect standardized property data from communities. It streamlines the site selection process by organizing property information, recalling data for future RFIs, and accelerating proposal submissions.
LOIS and Lightcast Workforce Tool Training webinars dates and registration information can be found by visiting CLICKING HERE
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What’s New Under Opportunity Zones 2.0
Congress updated the program through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025, making it a permanent feature of the U.S. tax code requiring that OZs be redesignated every 10 years as eligibility data is updated and adding new benefits for rural and long-term investments.
- Rolling Five-Year Deferral Window: Investors can now roll capital gains into QOFs at any time. Each investment receives its own five-year deferral period, replacing the previous fixed deadline system.
- Enhanced Rural Benefits: A new category of Qualified Rural Opportunity Funds (QROFs) triples the step-up benefit, providing a 30% basis increase after five years for investments in qualifying rural zones. Defines a “rural area” as any area other than:
- A city or town with a population of greater than 50,000 and
- An urbanized area adjacent to a city or town with a population in excess of 50,000
Additionally, rural projects now only need to meet a 50% substantial-improvement test instead of the full 100% requirement, allowing more flexible project rehabilitation (The 50% rule is already in effect). Qualified Opportunity Zones designated under the original program remain designated through December 31, 2028. Under the Opportunity Zones 2.0 framework, new designations are expected to take effect January 1, 2027, resulting in a two-year overlap (2027–2028).
Census Tracts Eligible for Opportunity Zone Nomination 2026 Map
An introduction to Opportunity Zones 2.0 webinar recording can be found by visiting Opportunity Zones | Department of Economic Development and slides may be downloaded by clicking this link.
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As the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session begins, information on select bills being tracked on behalf of Missouri Regional Planning Commission members through the Missouri Association of Councils of Government (MACOG) is available by clicking here. This resource will be updated throughout the session to reflect legislation of interest.
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Help Shape the Future of Missouri’s Transportation
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is hosting a virtual public meeting to gather input from the public on the draft Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and State Freight and Rail Plan (SFRP) updates.
Draft documents for both plans are available for public comment as part of the virtual public meeting through 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026.
The LRTP is a policy-driven document that ensures compliance with state and federal regulations while guiding the development of Missouri's transportation system. This document serves as a roadmap for the state's transportation network through 2050, building on MoDOT’s 2018 LRTP and addressing emerging trends and evolving needs that impact the entire transportation system.
The SFRP is a strategic document that outlines the vision, goals, and priorities of Missouri’s freight and passenger rail systems. It provides a comprehensive assessment of existing conditions and provides short- and long-term goals to improve and enhance the freight and rail infrastructure.
Please visit the MoDOT website to learn more, view documents, and provide comments by clicking here.
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MoDOT has released a new interactive High-Priority Unfunded Needs Dashboard, offering a transparent look at transportation projects across Missouri that have been identified as critical but currently lack funding. The dashboard is available at https://mapsonline.modot.mo.gov/portal/apps/dashboards/0c8d4659d1934c75ba1ed15bb13e2574 and reflects needs identified through the statewide transportation planning process, which actively incorporates input from local governments, community members, and key stakeholders. This collaborative, bottom-up approach ensures that priorities are shaped by those who know their communities best. To learn more about how the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission coordinates and supports this planning framework, and helps elevate locally driven projects through grassroots engagement, please contact our office.
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As a reminder, SAM.gov accounts will expire after one year (365 days) from the date of federal approval for inactivity. To prevent any disruption when applying for grant opportunities, users are encouraged to remain proactive in maintaining their account status. It is recommended that you log in at least once every six months to keep your account active, or at minimum, sign in within 30 days before your account’s expiration date to avoid any last-minute delays or complications. Keeping your SAM.gov registration active ensures continued eligibility and a smooth process when pursuing federal funding opportunities.
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Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission is pleased to announce the addition of a new service to support our member communities: ordinance code enforcement. This service is being developed in direct response to growing interest from municipalities seeking assistance in maintaining safe, healthy, and well-regulated neighborhoods.
Beginning in July 2026, PTRPC will offer code enforcement services designed to help municipalities effectively implement and uphold local ordinances related to property maintenance, public safety, and nuisance abatement. By offering this service regionally, PTRPC aims to provide consistent enforcement, reduce administrative burden on local governments, and enhance overall community standards.
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from municipalities that may wish to utilize these services. Municipalities interested in learning more or exploring how this service could benefit their community are encouraged to contact us for additional information or to formally express interest.
PTRPC SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS
Regional Planning Commission Member Benefits and Services
PTRPC supports a wide range of initiatives, including comprehensive planning, economic development, infrastructure projects, and transportation issues. Our services include marketing data research, identifying funding opportunities, and coordinating with various agencies on projects like water supply, stormwater improvements, and sewage treatment. We also assist with park and recreational planning, health and land use needs, and the preparation of grant applications for capital improvements. With extensive experience, PTRPC helps county and municipal governments improve their communities through tailored planning and administrative support. A list of member benefits and services provided by Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission can be found by visiting the Pioneer Trails RPC website.
GIS and Mapping System Administration & Management
Pioneer Trails RPC is proud to announce the addition of GIS system administration & management to the list of services offered to PTRPC member communities. This new service aims to assist and support communities with the creation to visualization, analyze, and interpret data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends. These insights can be leveraged to help make better decisions and add additional value to current programs and projects for its citizens, staff and elected officials.
For more information and to learn more about this service, or any other mapping and zoning needs please contact: Nathan Cooley, Nathan@trailsrpc.org
Traffic Counter and Analysis
Is speeding a concern in your area? Portable and discreet radar units can be deployed in your city to get an accurate traffic count, record speeds and determine peak traffic flow conditions to optimize patrols. For more information and to learn more about this service please contact: Eldon Preston, Eldon@trailsrpc.org
Environmental Review and Planning
In addition to grant development and administration Pioneer Trails RPC specializes in environmental reviews that comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which is required to receive any federal funding. For more information and to learn more about this service please contact: Janet Luetjen, Janet@trailsrpc.org
Large Format Scanning and Digitization
Staff can assist in digitizing and archiving large maps and documents using our large format scanner, or reproduce blueprints, maps and planning documents with a large format printer. For more information and to learn more about this service please contact: Nathan Cooley, Nathan@trailsrpc.org
UPCOMING MEETINGS, TRAININGS, AND CONFRENCES
Pioneer Trails RPC Board of Directors Regular Meeting
March 25, 2026, 10:00 am - Meeting will be held at the Concordia Community Center, Room 203. For meeting details and to RSVP, please contact Eldon Preston at Eldon@trailsrpc.org
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Monthly Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Meeting
March 11, 2026, 9:30 am. - Please contact Janet Luetjen for additional information and a meeting link at Janet@trailsrpc.org
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PTRPC Transportation Advisory Council (TAC)
April 16, 2026, 6:15 pm.– Meeting will be held in-person at the Concordia Community Center, 802 S Gordon St. Room 203, Concordia, MO. Please RSVP with Eldon by emailing him at Eldon@trailsrpc.org or calling the office by noon, April 14, 2026. Additional meetings dates and program details can be found on the Pioneer Trails RPC website.
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Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committee (RHSOC) –
April 28, 2026, 9:30 am. - Meeting will be held in-person with a virtual option available at the Community Center, 802 Gordon St. Room 203, Concordia, MO. Please RSVP with Chris@trailsrpc.org. Additional meetings dates and program details can be found on the Pioneer Trails RPC website.
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State Fair Community College LearningForce Spring 2026 Workforce Training
SFCC is excited to offer workforce training to individuals and companies ranging from the Essentials of Facility Management to mastering Microsoft Excel. For a full list of trainings, registration details and training dates, please visit the SFCC website by clicking here.
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MoDOT Local Public Agency )LPA) Basic Training – Person of Responsible Charge Three-Part Series Training
April 7th (12:30pm-2:00pm), April 8th (12:30pm-3:00pm), and April 16th (12:30pm-3:00pm)
Projects administered by local agencies using Title 23 federal funds require the local agency to have a “qualified person of responsible charge” who is a public employee accountable for the project. This training, approximately 5-6 hours total, will provide the attendee the basic knowledge of the federal-aid process to perform the following duties and functions:
Administer federal-aid project activities, including those dealing with cost, time, adherence to contract requirements, construction quality, and scope;
- Maintain familiarity with day-to-day project operations, including project safety issues;
- Make or participate in decisions about changed conditions or scope changes requiring change orders or supplemental agreements;
- Visit and review the project on a frequency commensurate with the magnitude and complexity of the project;
- Review financial processes, transactions, and documentation to ensure safeguards are in place to minimize fraud, waste, and abuse; and
- Direct project staff, agency or consultant, to carry out project administration and contract oversight, including proper documentation.
- Be aware of the qualifications, assignments, and on-the-job performance of the agency and consultant staff at all stages of the project.
- Must sign all project documents including but not limited to agreements, certifications, plans, change orders, etc.
Participants must attend all 3 sessions and pass a test to be certified as a Person of Responsible Charge. If multiple employees are attending from one agency/registration and from different devices, in order to get credit, you MUST sign in to the meeting with the name of the person actually attending OR if they are not from different devices you must email this SIGN-IN SHEET to training@mltrc.org no later than 3 days following the last/final session.
Session overview can be found below and a registration link (one link for all 3 sessions) can be found here: LPA Basic Training - Virtual - Missouri Local Training and Resource Center
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Missouri OZ 2.0: How Communities Can Prepare for Submissions
Please Join DED staff for the next Opportunity Zones (OZ) 2.0 webinar, How Communities Can Prepare for Submissions, on March 13.
This webinar will provide an overview of the submission process and cover how communities can begin preparing to submit their Request for Consideration for OZ 2.0 designations. We will outline who should submit, what information will be requested in the intake form, and share practical tips on how to communicate the needs and anticipated successes of your tract(s). Time for Q&A will be provided for communities to ask questions about data, documentation, partners, and project details.
Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 10-11 a.m. (CST)
Agenda:
- Welcome
- Overview of submission process and community preparations
- Overview of intake form and requested information
- Q&A and next steps
Registration Link
UPCOMING & OPEN GRANT INFORMATION
Community Development Block Grant: Competitive Cycle
This grant allows communities to apply for improvements to nearly any publicly-owned facility or infrastructure, as well as the clearance of vacant, dilapidated buildings.
Programs included:
Community Facilities
This program helps Missouri communities construct facilities that will serve a large portion of the public with a variety of services. With education and health/well-being programs taking priority, communities can utilize this program to construct senior centers, day care centers, rural health clinics, telecommunications, and 911 services, among others.
General Infrastructure
This program helps Missouri communities strengthen its local economy by improving local public infrastructure, streets, drainage, and bridges. Reliable and sustainable infrastructure helps support the business community as well as residents.
Demolition
These grants help Missouri communities with demolition of vacant, dilapidated structures (primarily residential) in blighted areas and that present safety hazards.
Grant cycle expected to open in Spring 2026. Please contact the PTRPC office to begin preparing an application.
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Off-System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation (BRO)
Anticipated Call for Projects; Fall 2025
Federal funds are available to finance up to 80% of the eligible project cost, the remaining 20% must be financed using the LPAs local match funds. However, if an LPA replaces or rehabilitates an eligible bridge not on the federal aid system, utilizing their own local funds, they may receive a credit which can be applied to the local match portion of another federal aid bridge project; called a Soft Match Credit. More details for soft match credit are included in EPG 136.3.10 Bridge Soft Match Credit.
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For up-to-date information on upcoming, open, and ongoing grants and funding opportunities, please contact our office.